John’s story as a stroke survivor

“It was a week before my 57th birthday that my life totally changed when I had a severe haemorrhagic stroke. It happened on a Saturday morning. The previous week had been very tiring as I had been working on the end of year accounts for the financial investment firm I had worked for for the last 14 years. It was very pressurised working to a deadline.

On the Saturday morning I felt exceptionally tired so I spent the morning reading. I really enjoyed reading particularly books about history and politics. My wife had gone shopping, my eldest son had gone to meet friends and my youngest son was on holiday abroad so I was alone in the house. Towards dinner time I began to feel unwell. I decided to walk down to the bakers to get some lunch. I had only walked a few metres down the road when I knew I was going to collapse. I grabbed onto a parked car and slid down to the floor. Luckily several passersby stopped to help me. They realised I was having a stroke and called an ambulance. I couldn’t speak although I was still conscious, I have very little memory of what happened. The people that helped me looked in my wallet to find out who I was and were able to inform my wife I had had a stroke and had been taken to Northwick Park hospital.

At Northwick Park hospital I had a scan which showed I had had a large bleed deep within the left side of my brain. My wife and eldest son rushed to be with me at the hospital but I have very little memory of this. The following day the bleed within my brain was causing the pressure within my skull to rise dangerously. If the pressure had continued to rise I would have died. I was put on a respirator and blue lighted to Charing Cross hospital for a craniotomy, an operation to release the pressure on my brain. It took several days for me to regain consciousness.

Whilst I was recovering at Charing Cross I had several tests. They found I could still swallow well but they warned me I was unlikely to be able to talk properly again a condition called aphasia. The bleed had damaged the part of my brain that finds words. I know what I want to say but can’t think of the word. If I am given the initial sound of the word I can say the word. The fact that I can’t have a conversation or tell people what I want is the most frustrating consequence of my stoke. It has also affected my reading and writing. I can only read simple sentences and I can’t write as I can’t spell. I find it very difficult to name the letters of the alphabet. My work involved a lot of maths. My maths calculation skills have remained quite good although I have difficulty understanding the names of numbers unless they are written down. 

After two weeks I was transferred back to Northwick Park hospital. I was still bed bound unable to use my right arm and unable to stand or walk due to paralysis of my right hand side. They taught me to stand again. 

At the beginning of May I was transferred to a rehabilitation centre at Edgware hospital. There I had daily physiotherapy and speech therapy. They taught me to walk again using a quad stick. I can only walk short distances so use my stick at home but use a wheelchair to go out. I was right handed but have had to learn to write with my left arm. I was in rehab for 12 weeks.

I returned home on the 1st August. It was very obvious that I would never be able to work again. I would not be able to drive as the vision in my right eye had been affected. My wife left her job to become my carer. My whole family has been effected by my stroke. Nothing can be done spontaneously, we have to check if places will be accessible for me.

When I returned home we felt the need to reach out to others who had experienced a stroke to gain support and advice. We attended a local Stroke Association coffee afternoon. It was good to meet others who had had a stroke. However, most of the other people had had milder strokes and had no problem chatting and some were able to drive again. It was here I met Alisha who had had a severe stroke in her 20’s and had had aphasia but had learnt to talk fluently again. She had been a primary school teacher before her stroke. She worked one to one with me to help me with my speech. She continues to help me with my speech. I really find the sessions helpful. The fact that both our strokes meant we could no longer continue with our employment or drive means we both understand how a stroke can totally change your life in an instant. We also appreciate that we were both lucky to have survived.

Another good thing has been joining Aspire gym. It is a specialist gym with adapted equipment that people in a wheelchair can also use. I joined as soon as I came out of rehab. I attend twice a week and work with a trainer. Again, working with people who have acquired a disability at the gym makes it a very supportive environment, where people are trying to improve.

I have also found it useful to take part in research projects about aphasia at University College London. The staff in the speech therapy department have such specialist knowledge about aphasia and working with them has been very helpful.”

John at one of our speech and language lessons

I teach John twice a month to help him with his speech. We met at Harrow Arts Centre a few years before the pandemic. When I met him and learned he had aphasia I was keen to help him as I had been through the same thing.  I have been teaching him for around two years.

He always wants to learn, and he always tries his best. I enjoy every moment we are together; he is very funny, is comfortable to ask me any questions and he always thanks me for helping him. I want to thank him as well because the determination he has to keep going and keep learning is inspiring. I know his life has completely changed and he faces challenges, but he is keen to keep learning and to enjoy life. I resonate with him as we are both fighters, and the support we have given to each other has really helped us both in each of our recovery. John’s wife has been incredible, and I look forward to continuing helping him as much as I can. I will always be in touch with John.

It is so important to remember that a stroke can happen to anyone, at any time. Unfortunately, we both were young when our strokes happened. The very important message we give to others now is to remember the FAST words: Face, Arms, Speech & Time.

There are many things that can help after a stroke, one of them being the Stroke Association who do amazing work to raise awareness of strokes and support stroke survivors. I am an ambassador of this charity and I support other survivors who want to discuss how they feel, want to share their journey or want to ask me any questions. 

Thank you for taking the time to read about John’s journey and what he has gone through. If you have any questions or comments for us, please leave a comment on this page.

“Alisha’s Bright Start Programme“ (BSP). Ambassador For Yuva BSP & One Kind Act

Every year on my stroke anniversary I like to mark the occasion by talking about my stroke and spreading awareness. When I suffered from my stroke my career as a schoolteacher stopped abruptly. But two years ago, I launched my Bright Start Programme through One Kind Act. This Programme is the start of a powerful tool to change the lives of children from poor backgrounds. It is also the beginning of me re-entering the world of education from a completely different but hugely fulfilling angle. 

My new Programme is delivered in conjunction with the NGO Yuva Unstoppable and aims to build smart classrooms and to transform schools so that learning becomes a joy, not a punishment. We have already sponsored 103 academically bright but socio-economically poor children in India to have a 6-year education on scholarship that will save them from the poverty cycle they otherwise face.

Once a month I host a Zoom call for several students enrolled on the Bright Start Programme. This call is led by the children and is their chance to share their stories, how they are finding the Programme and is a chance for us to ensure that we are really making a difference on the ground. The Zoom call is open to guests – anyone who is interested can join and ask the children questions such as what they are inspired by or what their favourite book is. 

These calls are also an opportunity for me to share my story about what happened to me and act as an example that through dedication and motivation achieving your dreams is possible. I have sponsored 2 children and I can already see the difference we have made to their education. They are so grateful for our help, and it is such a pleasure to watch them grow and work towards achieving their goals.

I have gathered some feedback from guests who have joined the Zoom calls, if you are interested in joining one of our calls, please get in touch as we would love to have you there. 

“I was in total awe of how motivated the children were to learn despite many challenges in their lives”

“They also asked me about a book that inspired me  – the book is The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini – about children suffering during the war and suffering real trauma and prejudice in their lives. I learnt that we take for granted everything we have in this country and in our lives in general and how hard they have to fight to have a decent education. But the amazing thing is they can see that education is the route out of poverty – amaxing to see their determination!”

“Hearing the children speak about their experiences and aspirations emphasised the importance and need  of the BSP”

“It was lovely to hear the kids experience of where they are in their journey and how the project has helped them so far. It’s also interesting to hear about their backgrounds and family dynamics”

“I love interacting with the children on the BSP programme. From their stories and journey you get to find out how important this opportunity of learning is for them despite all hardship and obstacles that they face.”

“I enjoyed listening to other people’s stories. But what struck me most was hearing some of the difficult circumstances that these children have had to deal with, and how they have taken those in their stride and are still striving to be the best they can. It was so brave of them to open up and not only talk to a room full of strangers, but to hold their attention. It was truly humbling, and a privilege to listen to them.”

“It was incredible to experience the call during the BSP. To see and hear the life that the students life and hear what a difference it has made in their lives is inspiring. I cannot wait to hear more on where they have progressed to!”

“How incredible to actually speak to them and hear their journey. They are incredible young people who want to pave a new future for themselves and their families.”

Working on this Programme has been so inspiring. Learning about the children’s lives, where they have come from and their positive attitude despite their circumstances is incredible. Please click here to read about how you can get involved in my Bright Start Programme: https://www.onekindact.org/events/alisha-s-bright-start-programme

My New Nest

It has been a long time since my last blog, and I wanted to update everyone and share my recent journey.

I cannot believe how the time has flown by. Recently I have just been feeling so good within myself and have been looking at ways at how I can deal with different situations. It is really important for me to try and stay in this better place.

I have just moved into a new flat and I never imagined everything would happen as quickly as it did. I love having the independence, I love learning new skills and developing and I am having the best time. This is what I really needed. I know I am going to face challenges but moving into my own place has given me the confidence that I need to know that I will manage to deal with any situation. My routine has now changed and I am doing things that I didn’t before like reading, watching TV and doing housework. Now that I have moved I have been trying new recipes (you may already know I am the biggest foodie!) which has been really fun. I also like to sit outside on the patio with my coffee and take in the atmosphere and reflect on life.

I cannot even thank my family and friends enough for the support that they have given me. They said it would happen, I did not believe it, and right now I am living in the best place. I love how I make my own decisions and I can invite people over.

I love how since I have moved in, a few people have messaged me and have been interested about my journey. We have managed to discuss each other’s stories and what was amazing was that we all have good energy. It is sometimes nice to be around new people and new surroundings. My new home has many restaurants nearby, it is close to the station and very close to my cousins.

Now that I have moved there have been some situations, which have been quite difficult, but luckily, I have always been able to get through it. For example, the washing machine was my first problem. I could not operate it. Then my aunt explained it to me. Then I was nervous about the smoke alarm going off. What would I do? Then a friend explained what to do. Every day there are new things that I am learning which people take for granted. 

“Reflections”

Sometimes the thoughts that come to me are that people are moving on e.g. getting married or having babies which is difficult but I still feel in that sense I’m in such a different place. I know people say don’t over think or worry, focus on yourself and it will happen when you least expect it. It also reminds me how I am always trying to work hard and achieve bigger goals that I hope I will one day accomplish…….

Recently I have been hearing that lots of people have seen the advert which I was filmed in for the Stroke Association and I’ve heard they are amazed what I have done and how if it was someone else they would find it very difficult.

A reminder for me is that I am proud of my journey and of course, there is a reason for me being here and helping others and reaching out to others. I am still working every day and I love being around the good positive energy and kind people. Life is a blessing.

Recently I wanted the closest people to know that communicating via WhatsApp can be misinterpreted. Some people prefer speaking on the phone, but I have said please type your thoughts and I can then speak to them in person. It helps me when things are written down. 

I just also wanted to say that it really helps me to talk about something that is troubling me straight away of course with someone I feel very comfortable with and can communicate with and who understands me. I hold back on how I really feel because people just listen, but I feel I need some sort of reassurance as I sometimes lose sight of the present and feel hopeless. I sometimes feel lost and alone. Recovery is hard but things are improving all the time. 

With life, everyone has something going on. Although it may seem like things are great, if you look closer you can see the truth. I am trying to focus on each moment. Today is a new day and tomorrow is a new day. Do not dwell on the past and be grateful for what you have. Every day I count my blessings. 

I do need reassurance, but I know I have to remind myself that I can do anything I want and we must all believe in ourselves. Live your life to the fullest and do not miss the opportunities that come your way. I am who I am and I need to accept what comes my way and things that I have no control over.

Anything is possible

It’s my 6th year stroke anniversary and it is time to reflect. This year I am much stronger and feel more confident with lots of positive energy. New experiences this past year have included attending a yoga retreat, travelling to Spain on a family holiday, weekends away with friends and my voluntary work with various associations.

I have also had a lot of opportunities come my way which have made me realise that I am able to do so much if I put my mind to it. I feel so elevated and independent, giving me a sense of worth. Goal setting is important and this year I have set myself many challenges. I also learnt to ensure that I practiced self love which in turn gives me the strength to reach out and help others.

On the charity front my work with one kind act and the One Kind Act Bright Start Scholarship has gone from strength to strength. We now have over 75 children on the programme and this has given them an opportunity to follow their dreams and change their destiny.

Mental Health Awareness Month

“Everyone has their own struggle. This is mine”.

Introduction:

The Covid-19 pandemic swept across the world in 2020 and created a considerable amount of fear and worry amongst the whole population. Almost one in five adults were likely to be experiencing some form of depression in June 2020; this had almost doubled from around 1 in 10 before the pandemic (July 2019 to March 2020). https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/wellbeing/articles/coronavirusanddepressioninadultsgreatbritain/june2020. Many of us have struggled with the huge changes to our way of life which have been difficult to get used to and have affected our mental health in some way or another.

My story:

My main triggers of stress and anxiety during lockdown was the huge shift in my life, from going out and having the freedom to being stuck at home on Zoom calls and not being able to connect with people face to face like I was used to. I volunteer for telephone counselling for stroke survivors weekly. During lockdown especially I would speak to many people who were stressed and worried about the changes. I would tell them to keep positive, try and highlight the good things in life but these conversations affected me and made me reflect on the times we are living in. I really enjoy speaking to others and helping them, but I have realised that I am not good at speaking about my own feelings. This is something I am trying to develop – to open up to my close friends and share more about how I am feeling.

There were also some positive aspects to lockdown: I spent quality time with my family and captured lots of fond memories to look back on with a smile. I spent time cooking and also did lots of self-care. Before lockdown I would try and go out as much as I could and meet everyone. I would make time for people even if I felt they hadn’t made time for me. To some extent I just wanted to make people happy even if that meant not doing what I wanted. Lockdown has made me realise that I need to look after myself, as no one else is going to do it for me. I have started making decisions based on me and how I am feeling rather than doing something because someone else tells me to. This has empowered me to make my own decisions and has made me realise how I want to be spending my time and with whom.

Since January I have felt more positive. I feel like I am in a better place than I was before. However, I still overthink and worry about the future; I need reassurance that what I’m doing is right and that things will turn out OK. I am quite harsh on myself and I always question if I’m making sense when I’m speaking. I have so many words in my mind at a time and I don’t know if I’m saying the right one. My friends and family are very supportive, but I never hear the positive things they say, I only hear the challenges I have had to face which drowns the positive aspects out. I seem like I am very strong and positive, but I keep my worries inside; I don’t tell people how I’m feeling, that I’m anxious for the future and I want every single thing to be perfect.  I know that I must believe in myself and learn to slow down and take one step at a time. 

This month is Mental Health Awareness month. I want to tell everyone who may be struggling to speak out and tell your story, don’t be ashamed to get the help you need – whether that’s talking to a friend or professionally. Speaking out will help raise awareness for this serious and widespread issue and will normalise talking about it, so that no one is afraid to ask for help.  

Conclusion:

My friends and family have reminded me of some important things to remember when you aren’t feeling your best:

• Be kind to yourself and take time to process how you are feeling and what may have triggered it.
• Be kind to others – kindness is a very small action that can mean the world to someone else.
• Believe in yourself.
• Slow down and make time for things you enjoy doing.
• Remember to keep working on yourself by trying new things and taking advantage of opportunities. 
• Clear your mind from overwhelming thoughts by spending time in nature, exercising, being creative or anything else that helps you. This video on mental health and nature may be helpful: https://youtu.be/TdDioDtjkis

A brighter start

The continuation of lockdown into 2021 has been challenging. We also had some very sad news and tragedies due to Covid. The memory of those we have lost will always live on and we’ll always be there to support our loved ones.

Over the last three months I have managed to stay positive and I have been involved in different activities. I support stroke survivors by listening to their stories and finding out what support they need. Although I am there to help them, I have learnt a lot about what people go through every day. I have also been looking after two children as a nanny/teacher. We do a variety of activities together: long walks, visit the park, I cook for them and I am always thinking of new activities to do with them. I have become very close to the children and I really enjoy being with them. I am also involved in motivational workshops which I find really rewarding and which benefit my mental health. 

Since January, I have found myself slowing down and focusing on the things that are important to me. In lockdown it’s easy to get bogged down in eating unhealthily and watching TV, but doing the above new activities has helped me change my perspective and have a more positive view on my life.

If anyone is struggling, with lockdown or otherwise, and wants to talk please don’t hesitate to message me because you’re not alone. I have been on a journey, and everyone has their own journey. I have been lucky to have so much support and guidance and I want to be that person for others.

On 4 January 2021, for my 5-year stroke anniversary I started a scholarship programme, as part of my passion to help children, called Bright Start – an Educational Sponsorship Programme to help some of the brightest but most marginalised children in India. This is a six-year programme of education, mentoring and support and will help children from 15 years old to university, and then their first job. I am going to start connecting with the children we are helping on Zoom and I can’t wait to hopefully visit India towards the end of this year or next year and meet them. 

I’m so excited about this programme and I love speaking to people about it. It has only been two months and 20 students have already been sponsored. I wouldn’t have been able to do this on my own and I am so grateful to all those who have supported this initiative. Find out more about it here https://www.onekindact.org/events/alisha-malhotra-s-bright-start-scholarship-programme

Recent post September 2020

Life after lockdown

“If everything around you seems dark. Look again, you may be the light”

What have the last six months been like for you? In this blog I explain how I felt during lockdown and how I needed to change my mindset in order for things to improve. These are the next steps that have happened in my journey following lockdown. I hope this blog helps you and please comment and share your thoughts.

Lockdown to now

The last six months has been difficult and challenging for a lot of people with the restrictions of not being able to meet up with their loved ones or continue with their normal walks of life. For others, it has given them time to reflect and spend quality time to plan and make decisions for the future.

Initially I found lockdown hard due to the restrictions, not being able to meet people and also not being able to continue my voluntary work. I missed working with children in the nursery and assisting unwell children at Great Ormond Street Hospital.

To keep myself occupied I spent a lot of time on Zoom and I also continued supporting the Stroke Association by giving telephone support to vulnerable people during lockdown. Although this was fulfilling, after a while I found the negativity affected me and at times made me more anxious. I also started cooking a lot and putting my recipes, pictures and videos on my new Instagram page – Great Food_Great Mood. Although enjoyable, due to me always striving for perfection I ended up spending too much time focusing on how my page looked – if the pictures were perfect and the recipes were exact. This would get me frustrated and made my mindset even more negative.

I think I was trying to do much and had no proper direction about what I wanted to do. I started thinking about what was important to me and I decided to prioritise my goals. 

Firstly, I decided to explore work options available to me and applied for different positions. I was surprised that despite the economic climate there were a lot of opportunities available. Taking into account what I would enjoy, I started looking after two children as a nanny/teacher from Monday to Thursday. Using my previous skills and experience working with children, I really enjoy this and find it very rewarding.

On my day off on a Friday, I continue to help others through the Stroke Association. Having a routine has kept me busy and has given me much more confidence.

I also recently did a ‘home swap’ with my brother where he came home to stay with my parents and I temporarily moved in his flat for week. I really enjoyed this experience as it made me more independent and I realised that, if you set your mind to it, you can do what you want. It also made me appreciate the comforts and support I have at home.

With the above opportunities, and with all the cooking and eating that I did during lockdown, I also decided I need to get fitter and so I have started personal training sessions at home. This has pushed me both mentally and physically which has, as a result, made me stronger and more resilient.

How has lockdown affected you? Have you started any new hobbies or tried something you haven’t done before?

If you have an open mind, plan, and take things step by step, you can achieve anything you want to do. So, never get disheartened, don’t give up and follow your dreams. 

My interview with Dinesh from Singapore

I am so excited to share my interview with Dinesh Nair. Dinesh lives in Singapore. He volunteers for an organisation called 1Youth which shares stories of people who have touched and made a difference in people’s lives. I was so humbled when he reached out to me to share my story.
This is the first time I have opened up so much about my life, not just about my stroke but also about my childhood and my passion for teaching, how my journey changed unexpectedly from my stroke and how I am doing now, how simple things like volunteering and cooking have helped in my healing, and so much more!
Thank you so much Dinesh for asking about my journey – it is amazing how easy it was to open up with you despite never meeting you in person.

Lockdown Stories with Mathew Lewis

Mathew Lewis is a Music Teacher.
We both met at our local Yoga class. We have known each other for about a year now and we both meet up for regular walks and we have got to get to know each other better during lock down.

“The unexpected”

January is usually a hard month for me – in previous years January has been when the ‘bad’ things happen; my stroke as well as the death of some very special people in my life. This January I felt low and remembered those we had lost, but I remained positive and I managed to get through it.

In February things started getting better. I was motivated to try new things. I attended some wellbeing workshops in London, a job opportunity came up and I started feeling more confident that I will achieve my dreams. We began hearing about something called the Coronavirus that was spreading throughout China. I never thought it would impact our lives in the way that it has.

Coronavirus

It wasn’t until the beginning of March that Coronavirus began to feel really serious. It became an imminent threat and it was all that was on the news and all people talked about. Life as we know it started to change – restaurants and shops closed, people were asked to work from home and schools closed. The virus has disrupted our daily lives and we all have to adjust and find a way of coping for the time being.

The most difficult thing about the Coronavirus is that we don’t know how long our lives will be like this for. Should we be planning for a few months, or could this be for a year, maybe longer? I am trying to be present in the moment, waiting for this all to pass. It will get worse before it gets better, so it’s just about riding the wave – as we all are.

Our once full lives have become quiet and slow. Plans we made are no longer going ahead.

I especially feel bad for those who had to cancel their dream weddings, or holidays or job opportunities or those who are stranded and are not being able to reach out to their family and friends who may be in different continents.

Our everyday routine no longer exists – we must find a new one. I am a very organised person. I keep a diary and my weeks are always planned out. I like to know what I am doing and when. Crossing upcoming events off my diary, knowing they won’t happen and not even knowing when they might happen, really put things into perspective for me.

Lockdown: things to do

Being on lockdown is a unique experience to us all. We are all anxious about what the future holds but also have so much time on our hands to do perhaps those things we weren’t able to before. It’s a time to reflect and relax. Things I am trying to do to pass the time while on lockdown include:

• Yoga and meditation classes: you can find lots online and they really help deal with the anxiety a lot of us are experiencing. It’s also a good way of getting into yoga and meditation if you haven’t tried it before.
• Read a new book: I don’t read very often and it’s something I’ve been meaning to do for a while, so I’m looking forward to this.
• Connect with friends and family over FaceTime – especially with those who you don’t get a chance to speak to usually!
• Go for a walk: make use of your one daily exercise outdoors and go for a walk if you can (but keep the 2m distance from everyone!), it’s my chance to reflect, clear my mind and get some fresh air.
• Try a new recipe: I love cooking for my family and friends, so I am going to use this time to brush up on my cooking skills and try the recipes which have been saved on my phone for ages. I have also started an Instagram page – @greatfoodgreatmood – so any fellow foodies please follow me!
• Keep a journal: journaling is a really good way of releasing your thoughts, so they aren’t all stuck in your head. It’s good practice to journal at the end of each day and write down three things you are grateful for. There’ll be good things that happened which you completely forgot about!
• Limit the amount you watch the news: we all know it will get worse before it gets better, sadly people’s lives will be lost, and more and more people are expected to contract the disease. It’s easy to get sucked into the media hype and it’s not always helpful. Try to watch the news for a few minutes a couple of times a day just to keep informed about what’s going on.

How you can help

It’s a difficult time for everyone. Most of my friends and family are working from home and trying to get used to a different setting in the midst of the pandemic that’s happening. Some have also had to cancel weddings, stag dos, and hen dos – this must be so upsetting, especially because of the huge amount of time spent planning!

While making sure we’re okay we must also do what we can to help the vulnerable people in our society. It must be particularly hard for them as some aren’t able to leave their house for 12 weeks. We can do our bit to help and support them.

I also wanted to acknowledge and thank all the keyworkers who are helping the wider community during this difficult time. Many are sacrificing time with their families and even risking their lives to help others. It is so inspirational.

You can sign up to volunteer to help a vulnerable person by collecting their groceries, or help deliver vital NHS supplies on the NHS website: https://www.england.nhs.uk/participation/get-involved/volunteering/nhs-volunteer-responders/

Being surrounded with the threat of illness has given me flashbacks about what happened to me when I had my stroke, if other people will suffer in a similar way that I did, and if other people will be OK. Initially I felt very positive and strong and I was inspired to help others, but the last few days have been difficult. I’ve felt low, anxious and lost. I think everything has caught up with me and I have bottled up my feelings – which is never a good idea. Being on lockdown makes me feel stuck, like I don’t know where I am going. Everything has been put on pause and sometimes it’s difficult to see the end.

I know lots of us are feeling this way so it’s really important we support and help each other through this difficult time. We don’t know how long this will last but all we can control is our thoughts and behaviours. Take the necessary precautions – washing your hands, avoiding unnecessary travel, keeping a distance of 2m from others, and only go out when you need to. By following these guidelines, we are helping ourselves, each other and we will beat the virus sooner.

I’m also really missing the physical contact when meeting people – we can still talk to people on FaceTime but not being able to hug and touch those who are close to me is something I really miss.

I’d like to know, how are you feeling? What is the first thing you will do when the lockdown ends? No doubt I will be seeing my friends and family and visiting my favourite restaurant! I also can’t wait to see the children at work and my nephews and nieces as that always makes me feel extra happy. Please share how you are feeling so others know they are not alone, and maybe we can all help each other in some way.

Use this time to reflect and understand what you want to do when this is all over. It could be something for yourself or for helping others. The more you give in life the more you get back and even if it is one thing we learn from this experience that is an achievement in itself.

As they say there is light at the end of the tunnel……